Burgundy Turns Distance Into Momentum on New Single "Marathon"

Montreal alternative artist Burgundy captures the emotional push and pull of long-distance love on "Marathon," a shimmering new single that transforms longing into something surprisingly uplifting. Equal parts nostalgic reflection and forward-looking optimism, the track serves as the first chapter in the rollout for his upcoming EP, Asterisk.

Written during a particularly demanding period of his life, "Marathon" emerged while Burgundy was balancing 70-hour work weeks, preparing to release music, and saving every dollar he could to reunite with his girlfriend. That sense of constant movement is woven into every corner of the song. Rather than dwelling on separation, Burgundy channels the anticipation, determination, and hope that come with knowing the finish line is somewhere ahead.

The track's origins are as organic as they are cinematic. After receiving an early demo from longtime collaborator and Juno Award-winning producer Oclair, Burgundy found himself replaying the melody in his head throughout a shift at a Thai restaurant. By the end of the night, he was recording voice notes between tasks to preserve the ideas that would eventually become "Marathon." That urgency remains intact in the finished version, giving the song a lived-in authenticity that resonates long after the final chorus fades.

Sonically, "Marathon" sits comfortably at the intersection of alternative pop and atmospheric R&B. The production feels expansive without overwhelming the emotion at its core, allowing Burgundy's introspective songwriting to remain front and center. Every synth texture, instrumental layer, and vocal detail appears meticulously placed, creating an immersive listening experience that mirrors the emotional highs and lows of waiting for someone you love.

What makes the song particularly effective is its ability to feel deeply personal while remaining universally relatable. Whether listeners connect to the realities of long-distance relationships, the pursuit of a goal, or simply the excitement of having something meaningful to look forward to, "Marathon" leaves plenty of room for individual interpretation. It's easy to imagine the track soundtracking late-night drives, summer adventures, morning runs, or those quiet moments spent reflecting on how far you've come.

Named one of SOCAN's "Five Rising Stars of Quebec R&B & Soul to Watch in 2025," Burgundy continues to demonstrate why he's becoming one of Canada's most compelling emerging voices. With "Marathon," he delivers a song that feels both intimate and expansive—a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren't measured by distance traveled, but by the people waiting for us at the finish line.

As the first glimpse into Asterisk and with follow-up single "Sunbleached" arriving later this summer, Burgundy is building momentum one carefully crafted step at a time.

"Marathon" was inspired by a very specific chapter of your life. Looking back now, what emotions hit differently when you listen to the song compared to when you first wrote it?

It makes me reminisce about the excitement I was feeling back then. Everything was moving fast, but nothing felt heavy. I miss the relationship I had and the mission I had to see her again. Overall, it’s very nostalgic.

You've spoken about being intentional with every sound and texture on this record. What was the most challenging production decision you and Oclair had to make to ensure the song captured the feeling you were chasing?

The song wasn't particularly difficult to build, but a change in environment really reshaped its sound. We went from recording in a small home studio to renting a studio with many live instruments. We added some wind instruments at the last minute to create the magic of the instrumental part of the song. For the most part, this song kind of fell into place quite naturally.

Many artists write about love and distance, but "Marathon" feels equally focused on ambition and personal growth. How do you balance pursuing your dreams without losing sight of the relationships that matter most?

Honestly, I have no clue. That relationship ended because of the distance, and to close that distance, I would’ve had to give up my dream and move to the other side of the world, which I considered for a minute. I know this doesn’t really answer the question, but I’d give another piece of advice entirely. I’d say don’t be afraid to feel, whether it’s to fall in love with someone or to get your heart broken. We are here to feel and learn from these moments, and to create art is to use these emotions to make something we can share with the world.

You've been recognized as one of Quebec's rising R&B and soul artists, but your music also draws heavily on alternative pop influences. Where do you see Burgundy fitting into Canada's music landscape as your sound continues to evolve?

I’m seeing a shift in the new music coming out, with people more diverse than ever in their music tastes. I’ve always admired artists who redefine their sounds for every project they put out, like Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller, Amine, or Toro y Moi. That would be my goal, for the music to be ever-changing and to release wildly different-sounding projects.